In addition to discussing Corey Kluber with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cleveland Indians have also talked with the San Diego Padres.
The Corey Kluber trade rumors never stop. Now the Indians are reportedly discussing the two-time Cy Young Award winner with the San Diego Padres. Jon Morosi reported yesterday that the two clubs have talked about Kluber.
Apparently the main hangup on the San Diego side is the refusal to include any top five prospect. This does include former Indians catcher Francisco Mejia. Although a deal that brings Mejia back to Cleveland is rather unlikely. Cleveland has shown interest in the clubs sixth best prospect, left-handed pitcher Adrian Morejon.
While Morejon could have a bright future, the outright refusal to include any prospect in the top five should deter the Indians from making a deal. It is a bit unfair to expect San Diego to deal all four non-former Cleveland prospects for Kluber. That being said at least two is more than fair. San Diego appears to want a premier pitcher for a bargain price, which is not going to happen.
The Padres could even include some Major League outfielders and that still might not be enough for Kluber. While Hunter Renfroe and Manuel Margot potentially have long careers in front of them, the Indians are not in the business of a complete tear down. If Cleveland was in the situation that the White Sox were a few years ago with Chris Sale that is a completely different story. Chicago sold Sale to Boston for a collection of prospects. The results, while early, have been relatively underwhelming thus far.
Considering that the Padres do not want to part with anything of relative value for Kluber, a match does not appear likely. If a trade does occur without a top five prospect that would be relatively surprising. While they need outfield help, Kluber for outfielders the Padres are moving on from is not all that enticing.
